Recorrido por un mercado local y clase de cocina en Cartagena

We were met at our airbnb in Getsameni by the tour guide who went with us in a taxi to the market for the poor of Cartagena. The market is massive, chaotic, aromatic, and astounding. It has no comparison to an American farmers market, and we were appreciative to see how the locals secure produce and meats. Then we took another taxi with the tour director to his home on the beach. Again, it was interesting to see how the local families live in a very tight-knit community. The tour leader's girlfriend prepares the meal with explanations to us and opportunities to help with chopping and some other kitchen tasks. Two young men assist with directions and clean up. The meal was a typical Colombian lunch, and we thoroughly enjoyed it. The only odd thing was that this meal is in the tour leader's home, so he was present in the home but did not interact during the meal preparation. The experience would be enhanced if he were involved more throughout as it countered our expectations to have him there but lounging. After the completion of the meal, we were provided transportation in the car of a friend of the tour leader. Additional expense was incurred in tipping the boys and chef and the local driver. Overall, it was a great experience and we would recommend it.

If you have toured around Cartagena before and are in for a taste of local experience, this tour is really the top pick. My husband and I were met outside our ship by a tour representative who brought us to our guide. Our guide was very knowledgeable and spoke impeccable English. It was great to be around someone who lives and loves his city and told us the scoop on people, government, food and sites. We walked all over the market pace to select the ingredients for our meal later. He knew the local vendors well and as a result, we got to taste some of the fruits and vegetables right off the farmer stands before buying. We selected local sea bass and char for the main course, a selection of vegetables for a nice salad, a whole coconut to crack open and shred for our rice, plantains, a variety of fruits including mangoes as well as local grapes to boil and chill later as our lunch beverage. The market was fascinating and stimulated each and every sense from sounds, sites, smells, touch and taste to a general pleasing feeling to be part of this amazing shopping experience! We ventured to the guide's lovely and colorful cabana on the beach after shopping and prepared our lunch meal with his wife, young adult nephew and nephew's friend Everyone worked together in blissful harmony to chop, shred and cut up all this "freshness" then season and cook together. We sat at the table with the family and enjoyed a most delectable meal, surrounded by the warmth and friendliness of this wonderful family. The food, transportation and tips for the drivers were all included in the cost of the tour. We would certainly do this again when we return to this spectacular city!